Indenture between Isaac Smith and Scipio Dalton, (a slave) regarding his freedom, 20 June 1779, with addendum, 20-24 December 1779

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49.2 cm x 29.5 cm

From the Smith-Carter family papers

This is a contract, or "indenture" dated 20 June 1779 between Isaac Smith of Boston and his slave Scipio Dalton.In the document the two parties agree that Dalton will be freed on 20 June 1781 if he performs his service faithfully and cheerfully in the intervening two years.This form of contract was one method by which slaves could achieve their freedom.The agreement includes an addendum stipulating that Dalton must attempt to repay Smith or his heirs for any expenditures if they are forced by law to care for him in sickness or other infirmity after he is set free.Dalton became a member of the First Baptist Church of Boston on 5 November 1804.